party planning company dc

We are optimistic realists. Energetic empaths. Connectors of people. Details drive our results and we love to get granular. Our backup plans have backup plans. And we work impossibly hard to create unexpected moments of delight that are guaranteed to become your favorite enduring memories.

Momentous corporate events. life’s milestones. weddings without parallel. , momentous corporate events.  life’s milestones. weddings without parallel. .

No two events - no two approaches - are alike. From the way we explore your vision to the way we communicate. Everything custom fit to the way you work. We bring events to life.

Innovative design. Obsessive hospitality. 

We’ve forged the relationships and expertise to do what most think can’t be done. , explore our services.

As seen in...

"no attention to detail was overlooked.", "you said you would deliver and you did", "your team is incredible.", "i loved working with you", "the final result was stunning.", "this event was the best we've ever attended.", "the best thing we did was hire you.", "everything was so fantastic", "it was the best party ever.", "everything was magical.", "nothing short of perfection", "evoke's experience is world-class.", – our clients say the nicest things –, for us, it's about the relationships, explore galleries.

Relentlessly commited to innovation, meticulous logistics, and unwavering hospitality, we strive to transform our clients' visions into extraordinary realities.

Celebrations

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Resolute. Compassionate. For one another. For the people behind the scenes. Most importantly, for you and your guests. A collective mindset with a common mission. Our dedicated team manages every detail, many of which you will never notice, so that you don’t have to. Giving you the gift of freedom. The comfort in having a good time with your people. That is the power - the heart - of hospitality. Why we do what we do.

A team that cares. 

Meet the team.

Celebrations that are celebrated. Events that empower. 

Plan something different.

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Based on the East Coast – Destinations Worldwide

Plan-It Parties

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah

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Washington, DC Event Planners

In need of a professional event planner that can expertly coordinate every detail of your next gathering? From weddings to birthdays, private parties, corporate functions, and more, you can search here through The Bash's database of the best planners in the Washington, DC area.

Let us do the searching for you and get started now with Quick Quotes .

Featured Vendors

1 verified booking

Take your event to the next level, hire Event Planners. Get started here.

Rescue Event Planning

5 verified bookings

Looking to book Event Planners in your area? Click here to see more!

Top Event Planners near Washington, DC ( 18 results)

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CatRad Creative

2 verified bookings

PERSONALIZED. WELL-EXECUTED. CREATIVE. At CatRad Creative, I'm dedicated to turning your vision a reality and making your events exceptional. As a full-service firm, I take on the responsibility of handling every detai...

WELL-ORGANIZED. BUDGET FRIENDLY. GLAMOROUS. Rescue Event Planning specializes in producing tailored events, such as weddings, birthday celebrations, conferences, group and corporate events, and so much more! Known for...

Me Soiree, LLC

Whether your flowers and décor are elegant, traditional, or modern, Me Soiree, LLC can make your dreams a stunning reality. Me Soiree, LLC is an elite full-service wedding and event planning firm that is passionate about...

Colors Creative Studio

Accepts Online Payments

Looking to add a pop of color and creativity to your next event or wedding? Look no further than Colors Creative Studio in District Heights, MD. With Event Planner Tyeece Brown leading the way as a Vision Designer, you c...

LuBells, LLC- Fit and Beautiful Brides

Greetings from LuBells, LLC- Fit and Beautiful Brides You have no need to look any further— We offer you a one stop full service planning solution. The bond of marriage us a lifetime commitment which is where we are com...

3C Strategies

Founded in 2017, 3C Strategies is a BIPOC owned Event Planning & Consulting firm. Our team's experience spans the breadth of events from VIP dinners for elected officials and business leaders to conventions with tens of...

Luxe Event & Entertainment Design

Boutique luxury event planning & design firm specializing in creating unique, sophisticated glam events in the DC, Maryland & Virginia areas.

Memories and Beyond

Memories and Beyond is a full service event planning company that service clients in the DMV. The vision started over 20 years ago while planning celebratory events for my family and friends. Over the years, event plann...

Island Creek Events | #BestofChesapeake Winner

Hi, I'm Katharine! I'm excited to announce I've won #BestofChespeake Wedding Planner 2023! I'm a big picture thinker with a meticulous eye for detail. I thrive on designing bespoke events and delivering seamless affair...

Mick'Nics

AbsAt Mick'Nics, we proudly serve the Baltimore County area and beyond. Our dedication to creating extraordinary experiences extends to all our clients in this vibrant and beautiful region. Whether you're planning a wedd...

Glorioso Studio

Eclectic designz.

Eclectic Designz is a balloon decor Business serving the DC metro area with exclusively created balloon art. We are able to create your vision through the broad and diverse experience we have in the balloon industry. We...

Balloon Decor

Remembered events.

Remembered Events is an event planning, management, design, and rental company that has been proudly serving the DC, VA, and MD areas for the past 17 years. Whether it’s weddings, celebrations of life, destination weddin...

Style Luxe Weddings & Events

Featured On The Knot, Wedding Chicks, Voyage Baltimore & Canvas Baltimore Style Luxe Weddings is a full-service wedding/event planning and design experience, catering to clients who are ready to say "I do.” And clients c...

Plan It Wright Events

We are 3 sisters with 1 goal!......To bring your vision to Life. We are a Full Service, Family Owned & Operated Event Planning Company with over 15 years of experience from planning weddings, baby showers, group trips,...

Dreams In Detail

8 verified bookings

Dreams In Detail is a premier full service event planning, production, and design company, specializing in Corporate Events, High-End Weddings, and Luxurious Celebrations. Dreams In Detail is best known for their abili...

CRE8AD8 Event, Travel & Destination Management

We are CRE8AD8(Create A Date), an international award-winning Certified Event Management Company. We are headquartered in San Antonio, Texas and plan around 200-300 events, meetings, incentives and social events annually...

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Facts about event planners in washington, dc.

Check out some quick facts about hiring Washington, DC Event Planners.

The average price quote to hire a Event Planner in Washington, DC is $800.

The average cost to hire a Event Planner in Washington, DC is $263.

Planners hire Event Planners in Washington, DC 109 days before their event.

Looking to celebrate your event online? Check out different vendors offering virtual services for online events. Pro Tip : You can hire a virtual Event Planner from any location to bring your online event to life.

Plan, book, celebrate—with confidence

Find Event Planners in Washington, DC to bring your event to life.

Trusted Vendors

With verified reviews and thousands of ratings, it's easy to book the perfect Event Planners for all types of events in Washington, DC—no matter how big or small.

Free Booking Platform

It's free to book and make secure online payments through The Bash. Once the booking for your selected Event Planner is confirmed, it's covered by our Booking Guarantee.

Top-Rated Service

Our US based team of Account Specialists are here to help every step of the way. Since 1997, we've connected planners with vendors for over half a million events.

You're viewing Washington, DC Event Planners

Please note these Event Planners will also travel to DHS, Fort Myer, Washington Navy Yard, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Brentwood, Mount Rainier, Bladensburg, University Park, Potomac, Takoma Park, Cheltenham, Hyattsville, Oxon Hill, Riverdale, Suitland, Capitol Heights, Glen Echo, Temple Hills, Bethesda, Greenway, Falls Church, Alexandria, Cabin John, McLean, Belleview, Mc Lean, College Park, District Heights, Forestville

Explore Other Categories in Washington, DC

Explore event planners in nearby cities.

Transformational Event Design

JDC offers a fresh, polished and inspired approach to events. We are innovative strategists who stay ahead of the curve to help our clients meet their goals.

In-Person & Online Experiences

As an award-winning event management company with more than 20 years of experience, we understand how to bridge the gaps between virtual and in-person experiences. JDC works with a full range of events, from exhibitions and conferences to legislative fly-ins and symposiums.

EVENTS SPARK CHANGE

Jennifer Collins' must-have book is an essential resource to help deliver engaging and meaningful events.

What to expect

Clients experience a stronger brand, strengthened relationships, magnified achievements and a transformative experience.

Community-driven events

Join Fuse, our collaborative peer network that empowers associations, corporations, and independent show organizers to transform passive attendees into engaged, loyal participants.

We position corporate, government and nonprofit clients to create distinctive events that make an impact.

Enriched with decades of hands-on experience, JDC Events brings you smart event planning strategies , pragmatic creativity, proven systems and thorough attention to detail. These qualities help minimize stress during the event planning process and maximize client and attendee satisfaction. The result is an event that achieves your mission and business objectives.

What do you need?

We offer all the event management services you need – á la carte or soup-to-nuts. Explore our capabilities and find out what JDC Events can do for your organization.

Are we the right fit?

We believe strongly in collaboration and that means finding out if we fit together. Our process does that. Learn about our Fit Assessment .

What kind of event?

We can help determine the right event for your objectives or add precision and creativity to improve an existing one. Take a look at these common event types we support.

We are collaborators, curators, innovators, designers and organizers. Together, we are JDC Events.

National Women’s Law Center Gala – Case Study

SHLB AnchorNets

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP)

A Fortune 100 Company

DFC-OGC Fall Training Session October 17-19, 2022

Marine One Lands on Capitol Hill

Emmes End-of-Year Celebration

National Auto Auction Association (NAAA)

An award-winning event planning organization.

Jennifer D. Collins awarded 2022 Changemaker Award , American University

Jennifer D. Collins named a 2021 member of The BizBash 500 , the definitive list of industry trailblazers, trendsetters, and up-and-comers (BizBash)

Shafer Busch named a 2021 Planner of the Year (SmartMeetings)

Ranked one of the Top 25 Meeting and Event Planning Companies in the Washington, D.C. region by the Washington Business Journal for the 14th consecutive year.

Washington Business Journal

2018 Smart Women in Meetings Award

Smart Meetings

Top Women Business Enterprise CEOs of 2017 , Women’s Enterprise Magazine

Women’s Enterprise Magazine

2014 Smart CEO Brava Award , Smart CEO Magazine

Smart CEO Magazine

2013 Women of Color Achievement Award , 100 Black Men of Greater Washington & Women Presidents’ Organization

100 Black Men of Greater Washington

2011 Minority Business Leader Award , Washington Business Journal

2009 Outstanding Women’s Business Enterprise Award for the DC region

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

2009 Supplier of the Year , Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council

Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council

2008 Enterprising Women of the Year Award

Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Award , The Maryland Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs

The Maryland Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs

Why JDC Events?

Soup-To-Nuts, Gourmet Style.

One of the strongest benefits we offer is the depth and breadth of our services.

Experience Matters.

Our team prioritizes flexibility and breadth of knowledge in the virtual realm.

Right Fit. Right Results.

We find out if we are the right fit for your needs during our Fit Assessment .

Our Clients

Our clients trust JDC Events to deliver exceptional experiences.

Sponsorship Design

Our innovative bespoke sponsorship packages deliver a strong return on investment..

Advocacy Days

Utilize this important tool to raise your visibility on capitol hill..

Exhibition Management

We harness the unique purpose that powers each event to custom-design opportunities that bring buyers and sellers together for networking, learning and doing business., get in touch with us, are you ready to take your event to the next level we’d love to help use the form below to tell us your vision or give us a call. we look forward to working with you.

Headquarters:

8403 Colesville Rd.

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  240.512.4220

I’m interested in...* General - Learn about JDC Events' services Vendor - Partner with us Employment - Join our team

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• Event Planners

Event Planners near Washington, DC

Event Planning,  Design & Production

Event Planning,  Design & Production

We are a full service event planning, design and production company, producing highly creative and impactful corporate, social and nonprofit events in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Based in washington d.c..

services & investment

Events are no longer just parties, recognition ceremonies or fundraisers. Now full scale, immersive productions in every sense of the word, they encompass the best of food and beverage, design and decor, entertainment and engagement. Intentional design that relates each piece to the whole and excites the senses in unexpected ways. We are a full service event design and management company, producing highly creative and impactful corporate, social and nonprofit events in the Washington DC metropolitan area. We’ve spent nearly 20 years honing our craft, developing relationships with incredibly talented industry partners and finetuning our logistics protocols to bring our clients beautifully designed and flawlessly executed events.

About Atelier Events

our values and approach >>

Our Values & Approach

01. We are innovative listeners

02. We approach sustainable design strategically

03. We thrive on collaboration &  engagement

wondering what makes us different?

Bold when our clients want bold. A touch of restraint when the moment, event or client calls for it. We listen to your story, read between the lines on challenges you or your organization may be facing, hear your vision and hopes for your special event. Then get to work to create an experience that is unique, exciting and memorable. Never a cookie cutter approach; every one of our events looks completely different. We love being in the business of happy, of helping to achieve an event dream or outcome, of delivering joyful and impactful events that will be remembered for a long time. It’s a journey we treasure and give our all to each and every time.

Listen, Create, Deliver

Our evolving event protocols have us more aware from the start, more consciously thoughtful about how we source and use event product and what happens to it when an event ends. We’re committed to both visioning and driving positive action toward reducing waste and extending the life of event product beyond the primary event to reduce negative impacts on the environment.

High end, highly creative event design paired with thoughtful, environmentally responsible design and implementation.

Partnering with such organizations as Food Rescue and Petal Share , we're helping to raise the bar for greener events.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Collaboration & engagement.

We are just as creative about helping our clients engage with local communities in need, leveraging our experience in the public and nonprofit sectors to repurpose event product (principally food and decor) for secondary gain. Think 70+ umbrellas from a recent event installation donated to local shelters and transitional housing programs. Or the work we did to curate and incorporate into a recent event design high quality children’s books and educational toys for a local transitional housing playroom.

We regularly coordinate on our clients’ behalf with Food Rescue US to address food insecurity and reduce food waste. And we’re working with our local Food Rescue affiliate to address logistical challenges in the event industry overall, increasing attention to such issues and bringing more venues and catering entities on board. 

connect with us >>

randy, floral artist

"what would i say to anyone who is thinking of hiring a professional to create a fabulous event i'd say you will never find an event planner who is more capable than deborah. work with her. you will be so glad that you did".

SERVICES & INVESTMENT

ATELIER EVENTS

We offer a full range of planning, design and event management services. Most of our clients engage us for A-Z services, providing assistance from start to finish with a concierge approach to ongoing communication and support. We also provide stand alone event design and management services (remember “month of” coordination plans?) for those who are comfortable handling parts or even most of their events themselves. And for our nonprofit clients, we are expert in managing multi-stakeholder relationships involved in organizational planning for development or other events. Professional staff, volunteers and Boards of Directors as appropriate.

our core team

I came to event planning totally by accident but fell in love instantly. A chance opportunity to plan several professional association conferences during an initial career in public policy and speechwriting led to an unexpected turn. Travel throughout Europe opened new horizons in art, architecture, and design as well as food and wine. Together these early experiences shaped a skill set perfectly suited for event planning and design - awareness of context as well as painstaking attention to detail, creative visioning and a keen eye for aesthetics, relational sensitivity and integrity. Establishing ATELIER EVENTS as a creative force in the Washington, DC area has been hard work, but worth every sleepless night! So excited to now be taking the next step with our incredible team … a complete brand refresh and website relaunch in 2022 along with leadership on the event sustainability and social impact front. Welcome to our new online home! 

Debbi joined the team in 2016 and has become our venue, vendor and hospitality lead along with taking a key role in business development and outreach. A quiet extrovert at heart, Debbi goes to great lengths every step of the way to make sure our clients and their families are comfortable and relaxed - from the onset of planning through the end of an event. So grateful for Debbi’s warmth and quiet perseverance; she keeps us sane on even the most challenging days.

Deborah Lesser

Debbi levine, principal & chief creative officer, senior planner.

Ellen is our newest team member but we are beyond fortunate to have her on board. With years of experience in high end catering and rentals, Ellen is our on site go to for rentals and catering. She is also our on site styling lead, her keen eye (and hands!) making sure that every chair, place setting and menu card lines up perfectly. We are incredibly grateful for Ellen’s expertise and finesse.

Ellen Cutler

Catering & rentals lead.

Jill joined the team in 2019. She is our ball of energy, taking on every project with an enthusiastic smile and unflagging energy, making sure we keep the fun in the mix. Jill is constantly on the lookout for that extra special touch, from the coolest entertainment to unique event and tabletop accents. Her spirit is contagious! We are grateful for the joy she brings to all of us and everything we do. 

Jill Konopaske

Senior designer.

the atelier events

Michelle is our lead wedding ceremony coordinator. Comfortable and relaxed in this role, she makes sure our brides, grooms, their families and attendants are equally comfortable and confident in every aspect of ceremony preparations and logistics. She is right there at their sides, from hair and makeup to prepping for the ceremony to emergency kit preparedness. She exudes personal care and attention, with her warm smile and ready hug reassuring everyone in her presence. We are grateful for Michelle’s experience in so many walks of life and her total dedication to our clients at this incredibly important moment in their lives.

Michelle Stravitz

Lead wedding party & ceremony coordinator, photo credit | rodney bailey.

view the highlights >>

Portfolio Highlights

Vendor Partners Featured In Our Portfolio >>

Branding & Print

Artisan 2 Designers Fine Press Emily Baird Fingers in Ink Lettering by Lynne Little Black Dress Paperie Mitzvah Logos Social Supply Design

Rentals / Tenting

AFR BBJ Linen DC RENTAL Lola Valentina Maison de Carine Party Rental POSH & LUXE Select Something Vintage SUGARPLUM Table Manners Vintage to Modern

Floral & Decor

Blue Vanda Company Flowers DaVinci Edge Festive Effects (balloon sculptures) Helen Olivia Paper (flowers) by Anna K Randy Watts She Loves Me Victoria Clausen

Lighting & Production

ATMOSPHERE Frost John Farr POTOMAC SOUND Social Supply Design

Music & Entertainment

Airbrush Unlimited A Squad Bialeks Blue House Productions Chris Grasso Music District Strings Electric Events Everything Entertainment Pelonkey SAGE STRING QUARTET & JAZZ Washington Talent

Airlie capital one hall charles levine the dupont circle equinox  get plated lansdowne metro bis mindy’s occasions pampa’s fox spilled milk.

Food Trucks

CAPTAIN COOKIE Surfside  TIMBER PIZZA Swizzler 

Blue lace cakes buttercream bakeshop sifthouse.

Sweets & Treats

Alexandria Cake Pop Company America’s Favorite Popcorn Buttercream Bakeshop Call Your Mother Casa Rosada Gelato District Doughnut Dolcezza Gelato Happy Tart  Hey Sugar Rex Holy Ganache Fluffness Laduree Mrs. Macarons The Pretzel Company Sofie K Bakes Sugar Pixie Sweets Tiny Tudor Cookies Zola Bakes

Back to Portfolio >>

With gratitude to our amazing vendor partners

PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS

Stunning elegance at the dc wharf photo credits: rodney bailey foxhill private estate  photo credits: sarah bradshaw winter warmth at the jazz club photo credits: sharon farmer & atelier events intimate garden celebration photo credits: rodney bailey  & zmimi photography.

FLOWERS IN WONDERLAND PHOTO CREDITS: CYNDI LEE ombrÉ blue, green & yellow PHOTO CREDITS: JACK HARTZMAN Pretty in Pink  Photo credits: Ricardo Reyes nepalese STREET MARKET  PHOTO CREDITS: BRADLEY IMAGES sports star INDUSTRIAL RUSTIC  PHOTO CREDITS:  JOSHUA BARRY Spunky Sweet  Photo credits: Matthew Ha LLAMA LOVE  PHOTO CREDITS: JOSHUA BARRY boho RUSTIC PHOTO CREDITS: carpe lucem photography & ATELIER EVENTS Purple Aztec  Photo credits: Matthew Ha SUMMER IN PARIS PHOTO CREDITS: RODNEY BAILEY Basketball lounge Photo credits: Rodney Bailey FALL FUN WITH RIZZO PHOTO CREDITS: BRADLEY IMAGES

20TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE  (hybrid live & virtual) PHOTO CREDITS: LLOYD WOLF building a Community Playroom Photo credits: Joshua Barry

GALLERY CELEBRATION PHOTO CREDITS: CYNDI LEE WEDDING WELCOME DINNER PHOTO CREDITS: RODNEY BAILEY WINTER ONEDERLAND FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTO CREDITS: ATELIER EVENTS Wedding Welcome family Brunch Photo credits: Matthew Ha Tropical Elegance 50th birthday  Photo credits: Ian Sitek FIRST BIRTHDAY celebration PHOTO CREDITS:  TONYA TERAN

"Words fall short of the results this team produced. Five stars!"

What can I say about a team that made a milestone life event into an absolutely beautiful and awesome memory? Words fall short of the results this team produced. Gave the particulars and they took care of the details. Wonderful communication, wonderful results. Highly recommend. Five stars (six if I could give that many)!

"Without you, it simply wouldn't have been. For all the trials, patience and love you put into our family's special memories, we are all eternally grateful."

Though only gone a bit over two weeks, the memories of June 10th linger on and we have spoken of that special night many times this trip. Your inspiration, your dedication and your unfailing patience I continue to draw upon - after all, without you, it simply wouldn’t have been. For all the trials, the patience and the love you put into our family’s special memories, we are all eternally grateful. 

"The entire community benefited from your choice to embrace this new reality and create a truly spectacular event."

Thank you for all you did to create an amazing evening of tributes, music and delicious food! Who knew we could experience a dinner together virtually? You did everything with such determination and care - from the program to the food to the decor. Incredibly difficult to pivot not only the date, but the whole concept. The entire community benefited from your choice to embrace this new reality and create a truly spectacular event.

Elisheva (honoree)

Call or email us to start the conversation and learn what we do and how we can help you.

Bringing you a custom approach, just like the highly curated menus at our events.

We’re proud of our work and excited to begin the journey with you!

We'll prepare a custom quote and draft letter of agreement for review and discussion, then go to contract and begin the process of planning and designing your event.

We’ll deliver a beautiful, highly engaging event you and your guests will treasure forever and for our nonprofit clients, help exceed your fundraising or other goals. And we’ll make the journey to the finish line infinitely less stressful and immeasurably more joyful!

WONDERING WHAT THE ATELIER EVENTS PROCESS IS LIKE?

CONTACT ATELIER EVENTS

sound like just what you need?

We look forward to learning more about your event. Please inquire via the email link below or reach us  by phone or text at  703.346.0247. 

© Atelier Events 2022 | All rights reserved | Legal | Video Credit | Template by TONIC  | Site Credit by STUDIO STEFAN

ELIZABETH DUNCAN EVENTS

Washington dc wedding & event planner.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. Dreams are forever. ~Walt Disney

Your trusted partners for producing beautiful and memorable events

Elizabeth Duncan Events is a full service event planning company that plans, designs and produces weddings and events in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and destinations around the world.  

When you work with Elizabeth Duncan Events, we ensure that you enjoy making decisions with confidence, design with insight, investing with intention, and the freedom to be the VIP.

Our extensive expertise, trusted relationships, and personal attention result in elegant weddings, imaginative parties and purpose-driven corporate events every time.

Imagine the possibilities, let us make them reality!

Washington DC Planner - Press & Praise

Our work is regularly recognized by leading publications including Washingtonian, The Washington Post, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, PartySlate, Carats&Cake, Wedding Sparrow, Edible DC and more.   In addition, we are so grateful for the kind words of our happy clients.

OUR CLIENTS HAVE THE nicest THINGS TO SAY

“Thank you for everything you did to help make celebrating my 30 th Birthday magical and a night I will never forget! You always go above and beyond to make our vision a reality.”

“Our wedding was even more than we ever could have imagined! Thank you for listening to our vision and making it a reality.”

KATIE & KYLE

OUR CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

“Because of you, my dream wedding came to life, and it was even better than my dreams!  We (and every guest) had such a wonderful time. Thank you for all of your patience, grace, good judgment, planning and impeccable work ethic. It was so nice to know that no matter what happened, you would make sure that the wedding went smoothly, and it did!”

KELLY & PATRICK

OUR CLIENTS HAVE THE kindest THINGS TO SAY

“You and your team took charge of every detail of our Appreciation Dinner – more than I could have hoped for. And, each year, you are always looking for ways to improve the event and surprise our guests. You genuinely want what is best for us and our event. You are creative and passionate about what you do, and your positive, can-do attitude make you a delight to work with.”

OUR CLIENTS HAVE THE NICEST THINGS TO SAY

“I just can’t thank you enough for helping us with every aspect of our wedding.  Honestly, I am still experiencing the fruits of your detailed suggestions. Both Dave and I had a wonderful, meaningful, joyous weekend.  You are fantastic at what you do.  You really are – in personality and in talent. Thank you for just allowing us to fully trust you through this entire process.”

NORA & DAVE

currently on the blog /

Hay Adams Wedding: Venue Spotlight

Read on for design inspiration for your Hay Adams wedding. One of our favorite venues for a wedding in Washington, DC is the Hay Adams Hotel. Our clients often choose the Hay Adams for its

testimonials

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Elizabeth Duncan Events is a wedding & event planner based in Washington DC. Serving DC, Maryland, Virginia and destinations worldwide.

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WASHINGTON DC EVENT PLANNER

Grace And Virtue Events is a Washington DC Event Planner for your special life events. 

Serving the DC Metro Area, Maryland and Northern Virginia

Event Planning Services

Planning and coordination services for your special event which may be a birthday party, shower, graduation party, private dinner or small business event. Planning services may begin up To 8 months prior to the event date. Décor design may be included.

Event planning pricing is customized and based on your event details and planning needs. For a complimentary consultation and custom quote please click the button below and complete the contact form.

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY BUT NEED HELP GETTING STARTED?

WE'VE GOT YOU!

Let’s Party! is a boutique planning service specializing in one of a kind events as unique as you are.  Whether your vision is for something modern and trendy or sophisticated and classic, we bring a fresh and fun perspective that will make your next celebration fabulous!  

So what are you waiting for?

LET'S PARTY!

Two party peeps are better than one.

Every peep brings something special to the party. LP! events events are the perfect blend of “wow!” and organization. Between the two of us, we have you covered!

IF IT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU, IT'S IMPORTANT TO US.

We LOVE first client meetings where we learn more about you and your vision.  We make it our mission to deliver an experience that reflects your individual personality and style.

WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK!

We understand and appreciate that these are the biggest, most important, and most expensive celebrations you will ever host.  We research, negotiate, and forage (we LOVE to shop) to maximize every budget. We always love a bargain that looks like a million dollars! 

WE ARE ALL ABOUT THE FUN BUT WE TAKE OUR PARTIES VERY SERIOUSLY.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations, in every way. To be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best! We work with a group of trusted vendors who are as committed and passionate as we are.

WE SHOOT FOR THE STARS

Your LP! Plan will include everything you wished for, and more. When you ask for lemon creme brulee, you're not going to settle for lemonade!

TOP FIVE REASONS YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH LP!

READY TO PARTY?

How can we help plan your next party?

We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected] | 703-831-7212

Thank you for the message!

We will get back to you within 24 hours.

washington dc event planner

magical, unforgettable

Beyond your , wildest dreams, get in touch.

Pop the champagne! The time has come to plan your captivating, beautiful wedding. We know every couple has a unique story worth sharing in a truly one-of-a-kind way. You’ve realized that planning is not your strength, or you are so busy that you do not have the time for it; therefore, you understand it’s time to hand over responsibility to an experienced professional. You're on a mission to find the perfect planner – one who will work with you, help develop your vision or take all the work you've done so far, and create a spectacular wedding that incorporates your ideas and represents you. You’ve come to the right place!

Congrats and welcome

25+ years' experience using my planning superpowers:

Washington dc wedding + event planner.

corporate events

wedding planning

bar + bat mitzvahs

Peace-keeping liaison, quick thinker, meticulous design.

meet the owner

Michele palmer.

Welcome! I'm Michele, the owner of EPDC, and I've been planning events in the Washington, DC area for more than 25 years. Being able to bring collaborative designs that start from a pencil and paper and see them come to life is truly an extraordinary experience.  What brings me the most joy about event planning is being able to make a couple even happier on the happiest day of their lives. My extraordinary team and I are here to serve you in every way throughout the planning process and we cannot wait to meet you!

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Event Planning DC was on top of everything, involved, and supportive. Her connections are invaluable!

Alexandra p., i could not have made my dreams come true without event planning dc. michele and team were absolutely incredible .

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Event Planning DC is a Washington DC based wedding and event planner.

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Planning and executing the perfect event in Washington, DC requires a skilled hand.  It’s about creating unforgettable experiences with the best technology and on-site coordination.  Don’t let your next event get lost in the hustle-and-bustle of the event scene.

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Concerts are about more than just the music.  Let us handle all the moving parts and you just focus on rocking out.

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Unveil your new brand with style and showmanship.  Create buzz and attract investors with the best launch tech.

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Bring the company together for work and play.  Releive stress and boost creativity with a well-planned  retreat.

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Forge new paths and bring the business together.  Engaging conferences, virtual or in person, are always s smart move.

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Give your worthy cause the glamor it deserves.  Plan and throw your next banquet or gala in captivating style.

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Embrace the beauty of your surroundings.  as we fluidly incorporate the natural landscape and modern tech.

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When we’re planning your event, you know you’re in good hands.  Our methods are proven and our results are undeniable.  That’s how we produce the best events time after time.

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DC-based financial planner shares tips for building generational wealth

Tadiwos Abedje | [email protected]

June 22, 2024, 11:48 AM

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D.C.-based financial planner Jacqueline Schadeck didn’t grow up with much, and when her mother finally came into some money, she lost it all within a matter of years.

Schadeck’s ancestors moved to California during the 1849 gold rush and bought property. But she said that it was sold out from under them and in the process of getting it back, her grandfather passed away.

That resulted in Schadeck’s mother inheriting more than $1 million between 2006 and 2008. With the money, she planned to take care of her family, buy a home and start a business. Then, Schadeck said her mother sought an adviser and made a series of bad financial investments based on that advice.

All the money was gone by 2010.

Losing it all and finding purpose

“I had a lot of questions. I said, ‘I don’t understand. I don’t think this is supposed to go like this. I don’t think you’re supposed to inherit a million dollars and then lose it all in a few years,'” Schadeck said.

The setback affected Schadeck greatly on a personal and financial level. But it motivated her to become a certified financial planner.

“That experience of my family having lost generational wealth inspired me to want to help others get and maintain generational wealth,” Schadeck said, adding that it’s “very important that we have trustworthy people in finance and in life that we can ask questions to and lean on and depend on for real answers.”

Building generational wealth can be a challenging process, especially for Black families. According to data from the Federal Reserve , Black households had a median wealth of about $44,890 in 2022, in contrast to white households, which had around $285,000 in median wealth.

While Schadeck’s experience is not representative of all Black families, she said her family’s financial woes were due to the lack of a trusted adviser.

“We need to have people that we can trust, that can give us genuine, objective, comprehensive advice, because I think the biggest gap in the financial advising industry in America is the fact that almost anybody can call themselves a financial adviser,” she said.

“People need to have somebody that they can trust, that is, again, objective — that can help them put all of this together so that they can build and keep wealth.”

Taking the long view

Schadeck is a founder of Golden Wealth Strategies, a company that offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management. The company has two offices, including one in Bethesda, Maryland.

Schadeck advises people to follow the five-star retirement plan, which includes discussing income, wealth management, tax efficiency, health care and estate planning.

She added that retirees should look at the resources available to them to determine if they can earn more from what they already have saved, while younger people should look to build a high-income skill set to make more money.

“Many times, the distribution phase of investing isn’t set up properly for people to be able to retire and earn as much money as possible,” Schadeck said.

She encouraged people to invest and focus on assets such as businesses, real estate and the stock market that will help your family in the long run.

“A lot of times, when we’re talking about building wealth and getting money, we hear a lot of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes,” Schadeck said. “But if we can make a long-term plan, and we can follow that investment strategy, that’s going to help us get to building generational wealth.”

Schadeck also hosts a new TV show on PBS called “My Money Mentors.” The show is about making financial literacy simple and fun to learn for young adults.

“If we can make understanding finance a little bit simpler, we can get more of those financial recommendations implemented and then we can have more success collectively as a people,” Schadeck said.

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Tadi Abedje is a freelance digital writer/editor for WTOP. He was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Northern Virginia. Journalism has been his No. 1 passion since he was a kid and he is blessed to be around people, telling their stories and sharing them with the world.

• @realTadiAbedje

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How Newport Picnic Co. blossomed from COVID-era hobby to party-planning side gig

NEWPORT – It's not your average picnic when Hollie Mitchell's running the show. It's elegant. It's themed. It's eye-catching. And it's hassle free. No setup. No cleanup. 

Just fun. And romance. Or both.

What started out as little more than a hobby inspired by the start of the emergence from COVID-fear social restrictions has turned into an additional career for Mitchell, 31, a Somerset, Massachusetts, resident and an elementary special needs teacher at Brown School in Swansea, Massachusetts.

She owns and operates and takes extreme delight in her Newport Picnic Co. business. A lot of work, far more than some would think, she says, goes into staging a first-class, memory-creating picnic, whether it's for two people or 30, or even more. 

Bachelorette parties. Birthdays. Marriage proposals. Mother's Day. An out-of-the-ordinary date night. They can all fall under the Newport Picnic Co.'s wide umbrella. Mitchell and her six staff members can even take the action indoors, if that's a preference or if the weather requires.

Mitchell said it's very rewarding “to set everything up so people can have an ideal day at the park.”

Newport Picnic Co. supplies blankets, pillows, place mats, chargers, plates, silverware, wine glasses, napkins, LED candles, bottled water, lighting, and more. Mitchell, who learned carpentry from her dad, handmade the 16-inch-high tables, going through five prototypes before settling on just the right design for looks and stability and portability.

Food, she says, is not her area of expertise, so customers supply their own or use one of several vendors that work with Mitchell.

She offers five set picnic themes – Beach Boho, Classic Greenery, Pretty in Pink, Main Squeeze, Tropical Breeze. She will also customize. 

At the picnic, Mitchell makes sure the bring her trusty “just in case bag” of bug spray, sun screen, extra battery charges, a corkscrew and more.

It all started in the winter of 2021. Like so many others who endured the heights of Covid concerns, Mitchell, a lover of the outdoors, was suffering from cabin fever. The wheels of her mind started turning. What better way, she figured, to enjoy the return to outdoor socialization than with picnics. She did a few setups for friends. She did Mother's Day events. When she set up at Brenton Point Park on Ocean Drive, she got a lot of drive-by looks. People would stop and ask about her little business. 

“Not long after,” she said, “it really started to take off.”

She estimated that she'll do about 75 picnics this year. 

Newport has become, she noted, has become a hot spot for bachelorette parties. Mitchell also gets great satisfaction staging the wedding proposal picnics for “guys who may need a little help planning. We partner with a photographer.”

Newport Picnic Co., Mitchell noted, has a standing permit with the Rhode Island Parks Department. Brenton Point Park and Colt State Park in Bristol are popular spots. AirBNB and hotel properties have also served as picnic sites.

Thus far, Mitchell said, she has not gotten the OK from the Newport or Middletown beaches. That's fine, she said, as sand is not exactly a favored picnic ingredient.

Mitchell's picnic responsibilities come from before, during, and after the event. “There's a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” she said. “Parking. Selecting materials. Loading and unloading. Cleaning it up.” 

A jack of multiple trades, Mitchell (maiden name Tavares) also hosts a podcast about Universal Orlando. She and husband Koby like to visit Universal Orlando two or three times a year. Hollie (Tavares) Mitchell and Koby are both graduates of Bishop Connolly High School.

For more on Newport Picnic Co. visit  www.newportpicnicco.com . Or call 508-904-7226 or email [email protected].

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Democratic Donors’ Big Question: What’s Plan B?

An unsteady debate performance by President Biden has scrambled the thinking among some donors about whether the party needs to find an alternative.

By Andrew Ross Sorkin ,  Ravi Mattu ,  Bernhard Warner ,  Sarah Kessler ,  Michael J. de la Merced ,  Lauren Hirsch and Ephrat Livni

Post-debate panic

After a bruising 90-minute debate that underscored President Biden’s single-biggest weakness — concern about his age — Democratic donors exchanged panicked texts and emails with one question: What’s Plan B?

The 81-year-old Biden’s halting, shaky performance against a confident (if sometimes misleading) showing by Donald Trump has set off alarm among Democrats with just seven weeks before the Democratic National Convention and four months before the November election.

Some party faithful who were suppressing their doubts about Biden are now privately lobbying Democratic leaders and scouring rule books to figure out how to change the presidential ticket.

“Disaster,” one unnamed Democratic donor told CNBC after the debate, reflecting the mood among the party’s moneyed class. Other reactions included “absolute train wreck” and “game over.” “Do we have time to put somebody else in there?” Mark Buell, a well-known Democratic donor, told The Times.

Biden himself brushed off the concerns . But even Vice President Kamala Harris conceded that he’d had a “ slow start ” to the debate.

Biden skeptics said the performance justified their concerns. Many business leaders, including Elon Musk and the financier Bill Ackman, have bemoaned having to choose between Biden and Trump. After the debate, Ackman, who backed Dean Phillips in his Democratic presidential bid, posted to X that Trump was “going to win in a landslide . The country should rally around Trump and help him succeed.”

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Black Owned Event Planning Company

Diverse Vendor List

This is why when you choose Andrew Roby Events to plan your event, you’ll see that our lists of vendors are often different from other venues and event planners. They bring you the best of the best by being inclusive of a variety of industry professionals with diverse backgrounds.

If diversity is important to you, you can be assured that our team is sensitive to this as part of a premier black-owned event planning company, and we believe that our commitment pays off in the quality of event. We can offer a full range of perspectives and services to our clients because of our alliances with all vendors—including minority-owned businesses. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is baked into our business philosophy and our party planning protocols.

No One-Size-Fits-All Planning

We recognize that your event should be as unique as you are—not a cookie cutter rendition of what’s trending. We’ll help you conceptualize an event that fits your dreams, tells your story, and emphasizes your attributes. From the photographer, DJ, wedding cake baker, floral designer… we’ll match you with the service provider that catches your vision. Whether you’re looking for a corporate event organizer for your business, a microwedding planner, or a birthday or anniversary party planner in DC or beyond, we will make an event that is an unmistakable reflection of you or the business you represent.

Our bedrock commitment to diversity will shine through in the way we honor your guests. From the way they are addressed on the guest list, invitations, or name tags to the way the catering company accommodates unique eating preferences and dietary restrictions, we take the greatest of care. Is the music appropriate for attendees? The beverage selection? The theme of the evening? We’ll make sure that every element of your event makes people feel welcome and included.

What Does it Mean to be a Black Owned Event Planner?

Being a black-owned business means that we are proud of and committed to our roots, our heritage, and to honoring those who have come before us. It also means that we believe in giving back to the local community and to other black-owned and multi-cultural businesses and that we support other underserved, underrepresented, and often unseen communities as well. This is why we are proud supporters of LGBTQ+ weddings, events, and parties, too.

Our founder, Andrew Roby, is a prominent voice on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Founder and CEO of the National Events Council, Andrew works diligently to bring more diversity and inclusivity to the event planning services industry. He speaks frequently at industry events and is consulted by major media outlets for his expertise and advocacy. He doesn’t just preach diversity, he lives it in his life and through his DC-based event planning services.

No matter your heritage or lifestyle, our founder is proud to work with you and your guests to ensure you have the event experience of a lifetime. Reach out to our creative staff and team today to book your consultation call!

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Australian opposition puts nation’s first nuclear power plants in its energy plan ahead of elections

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton unveils details of proposed nuclear energy plan as Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, left, looks on during a press conference at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Sydney, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Australia’s main opposition party has announced plans to build Australia’s first nuclear power plants by 2037, arguing the government’s policies for decarbonizing the economy with renewable energy sources including solar, wind turbines and green hydrogen would not work. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP Image via AP)

FILE - Liddell Power Station A coal-powered thermal power stations near Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley, Australia, on Nov. 2, 2021. Australia’s main opposition party has announced, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, plans to build Australia’s first nuclear power plants by 2037, arguing the government’s policies for decarbonizing the economy with renewable energy sources including solar, wind turbines and green hydrogen would not work. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

FILE - Power lines lead from the Liddell Power Station, a coal-powered thermal power station near Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley, Australia on Nov. 2, 2021. Australia’s main opposition party has announced, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, plans to build Australia’s first nuclear power plants by 2037, arguing the government’s policies for decarbonizing the economy with renewable energy sources including solar, wind turbines and green hydrogen would not work. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s main opposition party on Wednesday announced plans to build Australia’s first nuclear power plants as early as 2035, arguing the government’s policies for decarbonizing the economy with renewable energy sources including solar, wind turbines and green hydrogen would not work.

The policy announcement ensures the major parties will be divided on how Australia curbs its greenhouse gas emissions at elections due within a year. The parties haven’t gone to an election with the same carbon reduction policies since 2007.

“I’m very happy for the election to be a referendum on energy, on nuclear, on power prices, on lights going out, on who has a sustainable pathway for our country going forward,” opposition leader Peter Dutton told reporters.

Seven government-owned reactors would be built on the sites of aging coal-fired electricity plants in five of Australia’s six states, Dutton said. The first two would be built from 2035-to-2037 and the last in the 2040s. The estimated costs would be announced at a later date, he said.

The current center-left government has rejected nuclear power generation in Australia as too expensive. Too many coal-fired generators would have been decommissioned before nuclear power could fill the gap.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen accused the conservative opposition Liberal Party of serving Australia’s influential coal and gas industry lobbies.

“It’s not really an announcement. We know that Mr. Dutton wants to slow down the rollout of renewables and he wants to introduce the most expensive form of energy that’s slow to build,” Bowen told reporters.

“But today, we’ve seen no costs, we’ve seen no gigawatts, we’ve seen no detail. This is a joke. It’s a serious joke because it threatens our transition” from fossil fuels, Bowen added.

Bowen’s Labor Party came to power in the 2022 elections promising deeper cuts to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 than the previous coalition government had committed to.

The previous Liberal Party-led government promised to reduce emissions by between 26% and 28% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

Labor promised a 43% reduction and the Parliament enshrined that target in law , creating difficulties for any future government that wanted to reduce it and offering certainty for investors.

Dutton has ruled out announcing a new 2030 target before the next election. But the major parties have agreed on a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Dutton said Labor could not reach its 2030 target with a policy toward relying solely on renewable energy.

A Liberal Party-led government would use nuclear power, renewable energy sources and “significant amounts of gas,” Dutton said.

“I want to make sure that the Australian public understands today that we have a vision for our country to deliver cleaner electricity, cheaper electricity and consistent electricity,” Dutton said.

Australia has historically been one of the world’s worst greenhouse gas emitters on a per capita basis because of its heavy reliance on abundant reserves of cheap coal and gas.

Constant conflict between the major parties over the past 17 years on how to reduce emissions led to a carbon tax introduced by a Labor Party government in 2012 being repealed by a Liberal Party-led government in 2014.

Australia’s only reactor has produced nuclear isotopes for medical use in the Sydney suburb of Lucas Heights since 1958.

Dutton said the country could only now consider introducing atomic power generation because the major parties had agreed in 2019 to the AUKUS partnership with the United States and Britain which will deliver Australia a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.